Illinois / Winnebago County

Moving to Rockford, IL

Thinking of making a move to Rockford, IL? Get helpful local information about living costs, neighborhoods, schools, weather, housing, DMV details, and practical relocation details before you plan your move.

  • 100% Free Moving Quotes
  • No Obligation
  • Vetted & Licensed Movers
  • Secure & Private
Serving Rockford and nearby areas View Nearby Cities Compare Moving Help
Plan smarter before requesting quotes. Use local costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, and DMV details below to compare Rockford before you move.

Moving Help for Your Rockford, IL Relocation

After you review the local facts on this page, use the service links below to compare quote options for the type of Rockford move you are planning, including local, long-distance, apartment, piano, small, and budget-conscious moves.

Local Movers Rockford, IL Piano Movers Rockford, IL Cheap Movers Rockford, IL Small Movers Rockford, IL Apartment Movers Rockford, IL Long Distance Movers Rockford, IL

Everything You Should Know Before Moving to Rockford, IL

Considering a move to Rockford, IL? This welcoming community of 145,862 residents offers a blend of suburban charm and convenience, with median home prices around $121,000 and average rents near $930. Commute times average 22 minutes and public transport is accessible, making it great for professionals. The area boasts low violent crime, strong schools, and plenty of sunny days (56% annually), ideal for families and commuters alike. Explore Rockford's cost of living, education, and friendly neighborhoods to see if it's the right fit for your next move.

Demographics - Rockford, IL

Rockford has a population of 145,862 residents, offering a diverse community with a median age of nearly 38 and a balanced gender ratio. The area features a strong blend of backgrounds, with about 57% White, 20% Black, and 4% Asian residents, and over 14% speaking a language other than English at home. Its high population density contributes to a lively suburban atmosphere.

Population
145,862
Density
2,200 per sq mi
Median Age
38.4
Gender Ratio
95 males per 100 females
Non-English Speakers Percentage
13.5%

Ethnic Composition

White
56.6%
Black
20.2%
Asian
3.7%
Others
19.5%

Cost Of Living

What is the average cost of living in Rockford, IL?

The cost of living in Rockford is higher than the national average, with a cost of living index of 81.2. Median home values are around $121,000 and average rents for a two-bedroom apartment are approximately $930. Utilities, groceries, and transportation costs are also elevated, reflecting the area's desirable location and amenities.

Median House Value
$121,000
Gross Rent
$930
Monthly Electricity Charges
$120
Auto Insurance
$1,210
House Owner Cost With Mortgage
$1,150
House Owner Cost Without Mortgage
$500
State Taxes
Low: 4.95%| High: 4.95%
Cost Of Living Index
81.2
Grocery
91.0
Housing
51.5
Utilities
94.5
Transportation
98.7
Health Care
99.2
Miscellaneous
90.8

Crime

Is Rockford, IL a safe place to live?

Rockford is considered a safe community, with a low violent crime rate of 1,066 incidents per 100,000 residents and a property crime chance of 1 in 31. Most residents enjoy peace of mind, making it an attractive choice for families. The crime index remains below many urban areas in Illinois.

Violent Crimes Per 100k
1,066
Property Crimes Per 100k
3,214
Crime Index
4,280
Chance Of Violent Crime
1 in 94
Chance Of Property Crime
1 in 31

Weather

What is the weather like in Rockford, IL year-round?

Rockford experiences four distinct seasons, with warm summers reaching highs of 83°F and cold winters dipping to 14°F. The area receives about 36 inches of rainfall annually and enjoys sunshine on 56% of days. This climate offers residents a balanced mix of outdoor opportunities year-round.

Winter

Min
14°F
Max
32°F

Summer

Min
61°F
Max
83°F

Spring

Min
38°F
Max
65°F

Fall

Min
41°F
Max
66°F
Average Rainfall Inches
36.4 inches
Sunny Days Percentage
56%

Neighbors

The neighborhood boasts a healthy median household income of $48,430 and a low poverty rate of 20.1%. Over 86% of residents have at least a high school diploma, and nearly 22% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Commute times average 22 minutes, and almost 1% use public transportation, reflecting the area's accessibility and educated population.

Median Income
$25,800
Household Income
$48,430
Family Income
$56,200
Per Capita Income
$25,800
Income Male
$33,600
Income Female
$26,200
Poverty Rate
20.1%
Non English Speakers
13.5%
Rent
$930
Unemployment Rate
6.9%
Public Transport Usage
1.4%
Commute Time
21.7 minutes

Education

High School or Higher
85.9%
Bachelors or More
21.7%

Education

How are the schools in Rockford, IL?

Rockford offers quality education options, with public schools like Auburn High School and Rockford East High School known for favorable student-to-teacher ratios. Families also have access to private schools and several nearby colleges, including Rock Valley College and Rockford University. The community is committed to educational excellence for all age groups.

Public Schools

Name
Auburn High School
Street
5110 Auburn St
Phone
815-966-3300
Students
1,700
Student Teacher Ratio
16.5
Name
Rockford East High School
Street
2929 Charles St
Phone
815-229-2100
Students
1,600
Student Teacher Ratio
17.1

Private Schools

Name
Boylan Catholic High School
Street
4000 St. Francis Dr
Phone
815-877-0531
Students
1,000

Colleges

Name
Rock Valley College
City
Rockford
State
IL
Distance
0 miles
Students
7,900
Name
Rockford University
City
Rockford
State
IL
Distance
0 miles
Students
1,200

Healthcare

Rockford residents have access to quality healthcare, with major hospitals like SwedishAmerican Hospital and OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center nearby. The community benefits from a high physician-to-resident ratio of 2.3 per 1,000 people and 91.0% health insurance coverage. Local healthcare services are reliable and comprehensive.

Major Hospitals

Name
SwedishAmerican Hospital
Address
1401 E State St, Rockford, IL 61104
Phone
(779) 696-4400
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes
Name
OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center
Address
5666 E State St, Rockford, IL 61108
Phone
(815) 226-2000
Type
General & Surgical
Emergency Services
Yes

Healthcare Access

Physicians Per 1000
2.3
Health Insurance Coverage
91.0%
Health Care Index
68.2

Housing Market

What is the housing market like in Rockford, IL?

The local housing market is strong, with a median home price of $121,000 and an owner-occupied rate of nearly 54%. The market has seen a 5.2% appreciation over the past year, and rental vacancy rates remain moderate at 9.7%. Rockford offers a mix of stability and opportunity for both buyers and renters.

Median Home Price
$121,000
Average Rent For 2 Bedroom
$930
Owner Occupied Rate
54.3%
Rental Vacancy Rate
9.7%
Home Appreciation Rate (1yr)
5.2%
New Construction Rate
0.7%
Foreclosure Rate
1.2%

DMV Information

Residents of Rockford handle vehicle services through the Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services, conveniently located in Rockford. The state DMV provides driver licensing, vehicle registration, and other essential services both in person and online. Information and resources are easily accessible for new and existing residents.

State
Illinois
Department
Illinois Secretary of State - Driver Services
Address
3720 E. State St., Rockford, IL 61108
Phone
1-800-252-8980

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is based on publicly available sources including AccuWeather, U.S. Census Bureau, local government data, and third-party partners such as Neustar. While we strive to ensure accuracy, all data is provided “as is” and should be independently verified before making any decisions. Movers.com makes no guarantees regarding the completeness or reliability of the information.

FAQs About Moving to Rockford, IL

Answers use the same city data shown on this page, including costs, housing, schools, safety, weather, healthcare, and DMV details.

Before moving to Rockford, review the core fields on this page: population 145,862, median home value $121,000, average rent for 2 bedroom $930, commute time 21.7 minutes, and sunny days percentage 56%.

Ready to Move to Rockford, IL?

When your relocation research is done, request quote options and plan your move with confidence.

Get Free Moving Quotes